Photographer s scenery



(No ModeL) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

M. ARMBRUSTER.

PHOTOGRAPHERS SGENERY.

No. 373,794. PatentedNov. 22, 1887 I Vi PM can:

IL PETERS. P'WUlhognphnr, Wnhingicm D, C,

(N Model 2 Sheets-Sheet 2. M. ARMBRUSTER.

PHOTOGRAPHE-RS SOBNERY.

Patentd Nov. 22, 1887.

Suvcul'o:

N. PEliRs, Phamumogm hcr, Washington D. c

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

IMATHIAS ARMBRUSTER, or COLUMBUS, OHIO.

PHOTOGRAPHERS SCENERY SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 373,794, dated November 22, 1887.

(No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, MATHIAS ARMBRUSTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at O0- lumbus, in the county of Franklin and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Photographers Scenery; andI do declare the following to be a full, rlear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it ap'pertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings. and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon,which formapart of this specification.

This invention relates to improvements in photographers backgrounds; and it consists of the peculiar combination of devices and novel construction and arrangement of parts, as will be hereinafter fully described, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

Heretofore it has been the common practice for photographers to employ a number of independent separate backgrounds to compy with the various requirements of exterior and interior views, light and dark scenes, &c.; but the employment of a number of these backgrounds is objectionable, owing to the size thereof and the limited amount of space or room in ordinary photographic galleries, which renders the use and adjustment of the backgrounds exceedingly difficnlt. It is also very desirable to have backgrounds of larger area than a single background of ordinary size for the purpose of taking groups; but ordinary backgrounds cannot be adjusted together to present a good surface, and it is impossible to cause the meeting edges thereof to match so that the joint between the backgrounds is invisible.

It is the object of my invention to overcome these difficulties and inconveniences hereinbefore set forth by providing a single background havinga number of differently-painted scenes, which can be adjusted with ease and quickness to provide a larger or smallerarea, and of widely different characters to suit the circumstances, either interior, exterior, and light and dark views being obtained at the will of the photographer. By combining a comparatively large number of scenes of varying characters and shades and arranging them into 'a'convenient single background, so that they can be easily adjusted to present different combinations, I am enabled to produce a device which fulfills a long-felt want with photographers, as the background of myfinvention can be made at a reduced cost, below the price of a set or number of the ordinary backgrounds, it requires a very much smaller space for storage and adjustment, can be changed Very quickly and easily within a shorter time, and can be adjusted for the use of one, two, or more persons, or a group.

A further object of my invention is to provide the background with means for adjusting the sections to bring the contiguous adjoining edges thereof into cl ose proximity and render the joint between th same invisible.

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a photographers background embodying my invention, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the sections adjusted in line with each other. Fig. 2 is a like view showing the outer end sections adjusted so that the contiguous edges of the scenes match and form a background of one-third less area than that presented in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a vertical (-rosssectional view on the line at a: of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a view corresponding to Fig. 2, showing the end sections or wings of the background adjusted to bring the outer vertical edges of the scenes into proximity and provide a scene of a different character from that shown in Fig. 2. although formed by the same sections of the background. Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view on the line a: 00 of Fig. 1, to

showthe peculiar mechanism employed for ad justing one of the end sections toward the section adjoining the inner edge thereof to conceal the joint between the two sections.

Referring to the drawings, in which like letters of reference denote corresponding parts in all the figures-.

A B designate the end sections or wings of a photographers background embodying my invention, and G the intermediate or middle section, which is adjustable in line with the end section to form a larger area or surface, or can be thrown in rear of the end sections and concealed from view thereby to adapt the end sections to abut together and form a background of smaller area.

Although I. have shown and described a background composed of three sections, still I do not desire to be confined to the use of any specific number of the same. Each section of the backgroundis formed by a skeleton frame, D, over which is stretched a canvas or other covering, D, which is painted in the desired manner to represent interior and exterior views and light and dark shades. Both sides of each frame are covered by the painted canvas or other covering D, and all the scenes differ from one another, either in the character or shade, so that the various combinations formed by the scenes are different. The end sections or wings, A B, of the background are disposed in rigid adjustable frames E F, re speetively, these frames being substantially similar in construction. Each rigid frame E or F comprises a vertical bar, 6, and two horizontal bars, ff, which are arranged at the extremities of the vertical bar and parallel with each other, the bars effof each frame being joined and formed in any suitable manner so that they will occupy the same relative positions at all times, the inner ends of the horizontal arms ff ofthe frames being perforated, as at e, for a purpose presently described. Each of the end sections has horizontal central slots, 9, formed in the upper and lower horizontal bars of the skeleton frames thereof, and through these slots of each frame is passed a vertical shaft, G, which has its ends secured or fixed in one of the frames E or F by means of nuts and washers 9, said shaft serving as a center around which the end sections, A B, are

free to swing or turn within the supportingfr'ames E F. The end sections are capable of turning freely in the supporting-frames without hinderauce therefrom or from one another, and they are also capable of a li mited side or lateral movement in the supportirig-frames, for a purpose presently described, this lateral movement being permitted by reason of the sta tionary shafts G passing through the horizontal slots in the skeleton frames of the end sections.

The intermediate section, 0, of the background is permanently attached to the supporting-frames of the end sections or members in such a manner that the intermediate section can be adjusted in line with the end sections to provide a larger background for groups and large objects, as seen in Fig. 1, or it can be adjusted in rear of the end sections and entirely out of the wayof the latter, as seen in Figs. 2 and 3. The intermediate section is connected to the supporting-frames E F by means of four pairs of arms or links, H H, two pairs of which are arranged at the upper end of the sections and two pairs at the lower ends thereof. Theinner extremities of each pair of links or arms are pivotally connected to the corners or angles of the intermediate section, 0, by a suitable pivotal device, as at h, While the outer ends of the pairs of arms or links H H are fitted on extended ends of the vertical stationary shafts G. The links or arms are thus pivotally connected to the center of the supporting-frames E F,an l they serve to support the intermediate section, 0, in a vertical position at all times without reference to the position that the intermediate section occupies to the remaining end sections or members of the device. The arms or links of each pair are separated and held parallel with each other by interposed washers, if, so as to provide a space between the same which is of uniform width, and to permit the inner free end of one of the horizontal arms of the supporting-frame E or F to fit snugly therein when the arms or links lie parallel with and inclose said arms of the frame, as they do when the intermediate section, 0, is adjusted in line with the end members, A B. Each of the parallel arms or links is further provided with aligned openings h at such a point therein as to register or coincide with the apertures eof the supportingframes when the arms lie parallel with the horizontal armsffof the frames, and removable pins H are passed through the aligned openings 0' h,to hold the links or arms H H parallel with the frames E F, and thus maintain the members A B C in their proper adjusted positions.

At the upper and lower corners of the rigid supporting-frames E F are formed horizontal interiorly-threaded openings 1', in which are fitted binding-screws I I, which are adapted to impinge against the outer vertical edges of the end sections or members, A B, to force them laterally in the rigid supporting-frames against the tension of retraetingsp rings J, which in the present instance are made in the form of rubber blocks or cushions that are inserted in the horizontal slots 9 of the frames D of the end members or sections,between the vertical shafts G and the ends of the slots. These retractingssprings serve to hold the swinging rotary end members or sections,A B, in the rigid supportingframes E F,so that the end members can turn freely around the vertical shafts,and the springs are compressed to serve as cushions when the binding-screws are tightened in the rigid supporting-frames to force or press the end sections toward the intermediate section or each other. By permitting the end sections to have a limited lateral play in the rigid supporting-frames and providing the retracting-springs,the end sections can be readily forced inwardly to close the joint between the same and an adjoining section by the binding-screws, and when the latter are released, the end members are forced outwardly to enable them to be easily reversed or turned in the supporting-frames without striking the intermediate member or section, 0. The end sections can thus be adjusted laterally within the supporting frames to close the joint and render it practically invisiblein the proof, also reversed with ease and facility to bring their reverse painted surfaces to view, and held rigid in the supporting-frames, and thereby adjustable therewith.

Each scene on the painted surface of the sections or members A B C is complete in itself --the scenes are adjusted for use.

t'o's'erve as a background for taking individual either of the vertical edges will match when By painting the sections or members in this manner I am enabled to provide a large number of different views which are formed by single numbers or sections or combinations thereof, and the members can be easily and quickly adjusted for use.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in the accompanying drawings, having three members or sections, they are painted to represent exterior views, and I can form out of these three views eight different backgrounds, which I will now explain. Three backgrounds are formed by the three separate members, which can be used independently of each other, asis obvious, and it may be desirable to adjust one of the other sections at one side of the section in use, to answer as a reflector or break the force of the rays of light, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. A fourth sceneis formed by the use of the members A O, and a fifth by the members B O, which are adjusted in line with each other, and the end member in each case is forced laterally toward the intermediate memberto close the joint between the two members, as will be readily understood. Asixth scene is presented by arranging all three of the members in line with each other, and the members are held in their proper positions by means of the pins and the tightening-screws, which latter close the joints between the sections. A seventh scene is formed, as seen in Fig. 2, by adjusting the end members, A B, so that the inner approximate edges thereof abut together. This adjustment is effected by first removing the pins H to disconnect the arms or links H H from the supporting-frames, then forcing the intermediate section rearwardly, so that it is supported by the arms or links which lie at right angles to the supporting-frames, and then adjusting the latter frames toward each other until the inner free ends of the armsff thereof meet. The apertures e e in the arms 6 of the supporting-frames align,the pins H are passed through the same to connect the frames together, and the binding-screws tightened to force the end members close together. The eighth scene (shown in Fig. 3) is formed by reversing the end members or sections, A B, in their supporting-frames E F to bring their outer edges into close juxtaposition, and thereby cause the same to'abut together to present a scene the reverse of that formed by the two members in the seventh adjustment, just described and shown in Fig. 2. After the end members or sections have been reversed in their supporting-frames the parts are adjusted in the manner hereinbefore described-i. 6., the intermediate section is passed between the end sections and forced in rear of the same, which latter sections are spread apart to permit the passage of the intermediate section,

and the supporting-frames E F adjusted inwardly toward one another to cause the approximate edges of the end members to abut together, after which the pins H are inserted in the aligned openings eofthe frames, to hold thesame together,and thebinding-screws tightened.

In describing the adjustments of the members of my improved background I have assumed that only one of the sides of each member is painted; but I propose to cover both sides of the members or sections with different scenes, and thus increase the number of combinations to twice the number herein specified, or sixteenin all. Of course the members or sections can be painted to represent different scenes and subjects, according to the wishes of the photographer, and light and dark shades can also be given to the scenes, &c.

The operation ofmy invention will be readily understood from the foregoing description, taken in connect-ion with the accompanying drawings. The background is supported in its upright position by means of suitable feet or bases, K, which are rigidly secured to the lower outer corners ofthe supporting-frames E F, and for the purpose of readily moving the device from one place to another rollers or casters can be secured to the feet. The central or intermediate section may also be provided with a strong metallic foot to give the frame a firm upright position. If desired, the pins H may be secured at one end to flat leaf-springs, which have one end permanently secured to the supporting-frames, the pins being thus prevented from becoming detached from the frames and lost. The members or sections can be adjusted at various angles to each other, instead of in line, as may be desired, and when thus adjusted the locking-pins H are dispensed with.

While I deem the mechanism and devices herein shown and described as best adapted for carrying my invention into practice, still I do not desire to be limited to the exact details of construction and form and proportion of parts, as I am aware that numerous changes can be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing the advantages of myinvention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. A photographers background consisting of the adjustable frames, and members or sections mounted in the said frames so that the vertical edges of the members abut together, substantially as and for the purpose described.

2. A photographers background consisting of adjustable frames connected together and members or sections mounted in and adjustable with the frames, said members abutting together at their contiguous vertical edges and pointed, so that the designs or scenes thereon match at the vertical edges of the members, substantially as and for the purpose described.

3. A photographers background consist ing of end members or sections, adjustable frames in which the end members are mounted, and an intermediate member adjustable in line with and between the end members, said intermediate member being also adjustable in rear of the end members and frames to adapt the two end members to abut together at their vertical edges, substantially as and for the purpose described. 7

4. A photographers background comprising end members and an intermediate member connected by intermediate devices with the end members and adjustable in line with and between the same, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

5. Inaphotographers background,the combination of the supporting frames adjustably and detachably connected together, end members mounted in and adjustable with the frames, an intermediate member, and links connecting the intermediate member to the supporting-frames, whereby the supportingframes and end members can be adjusted laterally of each other to have an intermediate space between the same, into which space the intermediate member or section is adjusted to lie in line with the end members, substantially as described.

6. A photographers background consisting of suitable carrying-frames having the open contiguous sides, and members or sections mounted in said frames and capable of lateral or edgewise movement therein to close the joint between the meeting edges of the sections, substantially as described.

7. A photographers background consisting of carrying-frames, members or sections mounted in the frames, and devices connecting the members to the frames in such a manner as to permit the members to have a horizontal swinging movement around a vertical center and a lateral edgewise movement toward one another, substantially as and for the purpose described.

8. In a sectional background, the combination of suitable carrying -frames adjustable relatively to each other, members adjustably mounted in the frames, and devices for moving the members laterally in the frames to close the joint between the members, substantially as described.

9. In a sectional background, the combination of suitable carrying frames, members mounted in the frames and capable of lateral movement therein, spring devices for normally holding the frames in position to turn freely in the frames, and means for adjusting the sections or members against the tension of the spring devices, substantially as described.

10. In a sectional background, the combination of suitable carrying-frames, members or sections having longitudinal slots mounted in the frames, springs for normally holding the members in the supportingframes so as to turn freely therein, and binding-screws working in the supporting-frames and impinging against the members to move the same laterally in the supporting-frames, substantially as described.

11. In a sectional background, the combination of suitable carrying-frames, members mounted in the frames, an intermediate section or member, and links connecting the intermediate member with the supporting-frames,

substantantially as and for the purpose set MATHIAS ARMBRUSTER.

Witnesses:

L. L. RANKIN, THOMAS E. HAYDEN. 

